Saturday, January 9, 2010

Favorite Genres

Everyone has a favorite genre of book. You know...the type of book that you gravitate to again and again. The type of book when reading through reviews on other's book blogs you will read word for word rather then just skimming for the final rating. The type of book that you reach for over and over on the library shelves.

My favorite genre is memoirs. It didn't always use to be my favorite and in 6 months it might be something different but for now it's memoirs. I love reading what other people have done with their life and why they have chosen to take the path they are on. I love reading about how someone who was raised in poverty and depravity went on to turn their life around and do something good for themselves and others.

Inching up in second place is historical fiction. This is kind of funny coming from someone who constantly fell asleep in history class becuase it was so boring. Or maybe it was because history was right after lunch- I can't remember!

Historical fiction is fun to read because you are still getting your "fiction fix"- your escape, but you are also learning something in the process. I have learned so much about my country, the times, the culture and the lifestyle of my ancestors by reading historical fiction.

Third favorite genre would have to be books about different cultures. Again, it's all about learning more about my brothers and sisters around the world. What makes us different and what makes us the same.

I'm interested in your opinion. What is your favorite genre and why?

9 comments:

  1. I find this is an intriguing question because whenever I try to answer it for myself (more often, perhaps, than I ought to try), I have such difficulty answering it. I think maybe that's because my favorite genre is "fiction." Yeah. But I like it with touches of the surreal, of the fantastic, of the philosophical, of the brutally real...

    Can "just really good books" be a genre? Please? :)

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  2. I read fantasy children's books. It's helping me learn how to write like them as well. Thank you for commenting on my blog :o)

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  3. Niki,

    I have always wanted to write a children's book. Good luck to you!

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  4. Z.N.,

    It is a difficult question to answer. I think that's why my favorite genre changes 2-3 times a year! I think "really good books" is an excellent genre choice. I think you just might have something there! LOL

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  5. I agree that genre favorites change with time. Currently, my favorite genre is YA fantasy, and it has been ever since I took a course in it last spring. I enjoy YA particularly because it's such a blossoming field with so many talented authors who really know how to develop some intriguing characters and situations. Fantasy because I like to be taken away to other worlds and times, wondering what if? and exploring different possibilities. Good question!

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  6. Natalie,
    I have not read much YA. I'm looking forward to exploring this genre. Thanks!

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  7. I love great literary fiction - classic to contemporary. Sorry - that's really not a genre I realize - much too broad. But great story and compelling characters are ingredients that transcend category. Meanwhile, I'm learning a lot from the Comment Challenge - and enjoyed your blog.

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  8. I'd love to be able to say the classics are my favorite, but if I'm honest, it's YA fantasy. I love getting lost in new worlds filled with adventure and magic! I also enjoy a good humorous mystery.

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